Valeria's POV
The rooftop bar was a world away from the hustle and bustle of the restaurant below. The city sprawled beneath us, a dazzling mosaic of lights and life. I took a sip of the drink Adrian had poured for me-a fruity concoction that felt surprisingly refreshing. It was hard to resist the magnetic pull he had, especially in this setting, where the city seemed to pulse with a heartbeat that matched my own.
"So, what's your favorite thing about this place?" I asked, attempting to keep the conversation light as I scanned the view.
"Besides the view?" He quirked an eyebrow. "I love the atmosphere. It's a perfect spot to unwind and escape the chaos of life. It reminds me to appreciate the little moments."
"Philosophical," I noted, leaning back in my chair, arms crossed defiantly. "Is this where you bring all your dates?"
He laughed, shaking his head. "You're not like the others, Valeria. You're different. I don't want to treat you like some trophy. I'm interested in who you are beneath the surface."
I felt a flush creeping up my neck at his words, a mixture of flattery and skepticism. "And who am I beneath the surface?"
"Someone who's strong, ambitious, and a little guarded," he said, his gaze unwavering. "But I also see a spark in you. A wild side that you try to keep hidden."
I couldn't deny the truth in his assessment. I had spent years building walls around my heart, shielding myself from anything that could disrupt my carefully crafted life. His attention was like a fire, tempting me to break down those barriers, and yet I resisted. "You don't even know me," I countered, trying to maintain control of the conversation.
"Then let's change that," he said, leaning closer, his intensity wild. "I want to learn everything about you. Your dreams, your fears-what makes you tick."
The air thickened with unspoken tension. I could feel the weight of his words settling around us, drawing me closer. It was infuriating how easily he could make me feel so alive and yet so exposed at the same time.
"Fine," I said, suddenly wanting to challenge him. "What do you want to know?"
"Start with what made you become a CEO at such a young age," he prompted, his interest genuine.
I took a deep breath, surprised by the question but I knew I could never tell him the truth— that i wasnt....human.
"It wasn't exactly my dream job. I grew up watching my mother struggle to make ends meet after my father left us. I promised myself I'd never be in that position. I wanted power, security-something I could control."
His expression softened, and for a moment, I saw a glimpse of understanding in his eyes. "That makes sense. You've worked hard for everything you have. It must be exhausting, though, to carry that weight all the time."
"It is," I admitted, feeling a little unsteady. "But it's also empowering. I don't want to be seen as weak or dependent on anyone. I have to be strong for myself and for my company."
"I respect that," Adrian said, leaning back in his seat, a contemplative expression on his face. "But you don't have to do everything alone, Valeria. Let people in."
I met his gaze, my heart racing at the thought. Letting someone in meant vulnerability, and vulnerability had never been my strong suit. "Easier said than done."
He chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Fair point. I'll admit, I've always had trouble letting people in too. But that's why I want to know you better-to see what lies beneath that strong exterior."
The night air felt electric, charged with possibility. My instinct was to retreat, to retreat to my safe zone where I could maintain control, but something in Adrian's eyes urged me to stay.
"Okay," I said cautiously, "what's your story?"
"Not as compelling as yours, but I'll give it a shot." He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. "I grew up in a family that expected perfection. My father was a businessman who thought success was everything. I learned early on that I had to meet those expectations, but I also wanted to carve my own path. I didn't want to just be known as his son."
"That sounds tough," I said, genuinely surprised by his openness.
"It was," he admitted, his voice steady. "But it made me who I am today. I didn't want to rely on my family's name to get ahead. I wanted to create my own identity. And I figured out early on that charm and good looks could get me through a lot of doors."
"So, you're saying you're using me for my connections?" I teased, trying to lighten the mood, but my heart raced at the implications of his words.
He laughed, shaking his head. "Not at all! I'm more interested in what's inside you, Valeria. That's what draws me to you. Besides you did hire me for the company scandal"
The sincerity in his voice made my chest tighten. "You're good at this, you know?"
"Good at what?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"Seduction," I replied, unable to suppress a smile. "It's almost annoying how charming you are."
"Almost?" he grinned, leaning back triumphantly. "I'll take that as a win."
"Don't get too cocky," I warned, but there was a lightness in my tone that I hadn't felt in days.
The atmosphere shifted subtly, a new understanding blossoming between us. I was no longer just Valeria, the formidable CEO; I was a woman who could also crave connection and companionship, even if it terrified me.
"So, what's next?" Adrian asked, breaking the comfortable silence. "What do you want to do now that we've shared our deepest secrets?"
"I want to know what makes you tick," I replied boldly. "What do you want in life?"
He paused, the question clearly catching him off guard. "I want to build something real, something lasting. I want to prove to myself that I'm more than just a pretty face. I want to matter."
"You matter to me," I found myself saying before I could stop myself. The admission hung in the air between us, charged with a weight that felt monumental.
His eyes widened, and I could see the surprise transform into something deeper, something almost vulnerable. "You have no idea how much that means to me, Valeria."
"I'm just being honest," I said, my heart racing. "But you have to understand that I'm not good at this. I mean I don't do the whole emotional vulnerability thing very well."
"Neither do I," he replied, the corner of his mouth quirking up. "But maybe we can learn together."
I chuckled, shaking my head at the absurdity of it all. "You make it sound so easy."
"Nothing worth having ever is," he said, his gaze steady. "But I'm willing to try if you are."
As we spoke, I felt a shift within me, a blossoming curiosity that overshadowed my reservations. Adrian's presence felt grounding yet exhilarating, pulling me into his orbit. It was a reckless gamble, but maybe that was exactly what I needed-someone to challenge my fears, to push me beyond my limits.
The night stretched on, filled with laughter and tentative revelations. Each moment spent with him pulled me closer to a truth I had been avoiding: perhaps letting someone in didn't mean losing control but gaining a partner to face the chaos of life together.
As the city continued to glow beneath us, I could no longer deny the magnetic pull I felt toward Adrian. He was unlike anyone I had ever met, and the more I learned about him, the more I wanted to dive deeper into this connection we were forging. I wasn't sure where this night would lead us, but I was ready to find out.
Adrian POV
Watching Valeria transform before my eyes was a revelation. She was fierce, intelligent, and guarded-yet in these moments of honesty, she began to peel back the layers she had so carefully constructed. It was exhilarating, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to her even more.
Her laughter was infectious, and each time she smiled, I felt a thrill of triumph. I wanted to unravel the complexities of her heart, to prove to her that I was worth the risk. With every story shared, I felt the walls she had built around herself begin to crack, and I was determined to help her break free from the chains of her past.
"So, what's your idea of a perfect date?" I asked, leaning in as the conversation flowed effortlessly.
"Hmm," she pondered, her brow furrowing adorably. "I'd say a cozy night in with good food, a classic movie, and no interruptions."
"Sounds perfect," I agreed, picturing myself curled up on a couch with her, completely lost in our own world. "But I'm more of an adventurous type. I think a date should be about pushing boundaries and trying new things."
"Oh really?" she challenged, a playful glint in her eye. "What did you have in mind?"
"Skydiving," I suggested with a grin, relishing the shock that flickered across her face.
"Are you insane?" she exclaimed, laughing incredulously. "You can't just throw someone out of a plane and call it a date!"
"Why not?" I countered, enjoying her animated reaction. "It's exhilarating! Plus, it's the perfect way to break down those walls you're so keen on keeping up."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her laugh.
Her laughter echoed against the backdrop of the city lights, a beautiful sound that made my heart race. It was as if every laugh brought us closer together, igniting a spark that I hadn't anticipated. Valeria was fierce and unyielding, but in these moments, she was also refreshingly playful.
"Skydiving?" she exclaimed, still giggling. "That's your idea of a romantic date? I think you've got a twisted sense of romance, Aiden."
I shrugged, leaning back in my chair with a grin. "You'd be surprised how many people find it romantic. It's all about the adrenaline, the rush of feeling alive. Besides, you'd have me to hold onto."
Her expression softened for a moment, a flicker of intrigue mingled with the usual guardedness. "You're incorrigible."